The Times claims that the Ivory Coast international, who was sent off in the Blues' home defeat at the hands of CSKA Moscow, could be sold if a suitable offer comes in next summer.

Is it rumoured that the Premier League champions are eyeing Juventus's Paul Pogba and Everton youngster Ross Barkley as potential replacements for the former Barcelona midfielder, should he leave the Etihad Stadium.

However, City's hopes of recruiting a successor could be difficult, with Pogba having recently agreed a new deal with Juventus and Barkley reported to be attracting interest from Chelsea.